Zero Trust is a security concept based on the principle:

"Never trust, always verify."

Unlike traditional security models that automatically trust internal network traffic, Zero Trust assumes that every user, device, and application must be authenticated, authorized, and continuously monitored — regardless of whether they are inside or outside the network perimeter.

🔐 Core Principles of Zero Trust

1. Verification over Trust
   No one is trusted by default — every user, device, and service must prove who they are.

2. Least Privilege Access
   Users and services only get the minimum access they truly need — nothing more.

3. Continuous Validation
   Trust is not permanent — it’s reevaluated continuously (based on behavior, location, device status, etc.).

4. Micro-Segmentation
   The network is divided into small, isolated zones to prevent lateral movement if an attacker breaks in.

5. Centralized Visibility & Logging
   Every access attempt is logged and monitored — critical for audits, compliance, and detecting threats.

🧱 Technical Implementation (Examples)

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• Identity & Access Management (IAM)

• Device Posture Checks (e.g., antivirus, patch status)

• ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) as a VPN replacement

• Micro-segmentation via cloud firewalls or SDN

• Security Monitoring Tools (e.g., SIEM, UEBA)

🎯 Why Is Zero Trust So Important Today?

• Remote Work: Employees work from anywhere — not just inside a "trusted" office LAN.

• Cloud & SaaS adoption: Data lives outside your data center.

• Evolving Threat Landscape: Ransomware, insider threats, social engineering.

✅ Real-World Example

Without Zero Trust:

A user logs in via VPN and has full network access, just because they're "inside".

With Zero Trust:

The user must verify identity, device health is checked, and access is limited to only necessary apps — no blind trust.

🧪 Summary

Zero Trust is not a single product — it's a security strategy. Its goal is to reduce risk by enforcing continuous verification and minimizing access. When done right, it can drastically lower the chances of data breaches, insider threats, and lateral movement within a network.

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a local network that covers a limited geographic area, such as a home, office, school, or building. Its purpose is to connect computers and devices, such as printers, routers, or servers, so they can share data and resources.

Key Features of a LAN:

1. Limited Range: Typically confined to a single building or a small area.
2. High Speed: LANs provide fast data transfer rates (e.g., 1 Gbps or more with modern technologies) due to the short distances.
3. Connection Technologies: Common methods include Ethernet (wired) and Wi-Fi (wireless).
4. Centralized Management: LANs can be managed using a central server or router.
5. Cost-Effective: Setting up a LAN is relatively inexpensive compared to larger networks like Wide Area Networks (WAN).

Use Cases:

• Sharing printers or files in an office.
• Local gaming between multiple computers.
• Connecting IoT devices (e.g., cameras, smart home gadgets).

Unlike a WAN (e.g., the internet), a LAN is focused on a smaller area, offering better control and security.